Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has come under fire for his decision to bench Marcus Rashford in United’s recent game against Crystal Palace, with club legend Rio Ferdinand questioning whether the in-form forward was benched at the worst possible time.
After a slow start to the 2023-24 season, Rashford finally found his groove, ending a goal drought with a goal in United’s 3-0 win over Southampton.
He then scored a superb double in the Red Devils’ 7-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, showing signs of his old confidence.
Was Erik ten Hag right to bench Rashford?
Despite Rashford’s recent revival, Ten Hag opted to rotate the striker, leaving him on the bench until the 61st minute against Crystal Palace.
United, who had created numerous chances but failed to convert them, ended up drawing. Ten Hag defended the decision, citing the clutter on the board, but Rio Ferdinand believes the rotation disrupted Rashford’s momentum.
In his show Rio Ferdinand presentsThe United icon expressed his confusion:
“When you have a player in form like Marcus Rashford, who is finally finding his feet, you wonder if it is the right time to rotate the team. You create chances and you take off the one who starts to score. It leaves me perplexed.”
Ferdinand also acknowledged that Ten Hag was struggling to balance the squad, with young stars like Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo both in great form. “Garnacho has been wreaking havoc, and Amad is playing well too. So it’s a tough challenge,” he added.
As United prepare for their next Europa League clash against FC Twente, fans are wondering whether Rashford will reclaim his starting spot or whether Ten Hag’s rotation will continue to confuse supporters.
